Patient Navigator - Research Focus

Overview

The Research-Focused Patient Navigator improves equitable access to clinical research by curating trial options, proactively pre-screening and outreaching to patients across referral sites and DFCI Longwood, and providing end-to-end, patient-centered navigation from pre to post clinical trial enrollment. The role bridges clinicians, research staff, and patients to reduce logistical and social barriers, coordinate research navigation, complete participation assessment, and capture metrics that inform continuous improvement in trial access and enrollment for underrepresented patients in blood cancer clinical trials.

The Hantel Lab is seeking a Research-Focused Patient Navigator to directly support adult medical oncology patients. Research-Focused Patient Navigator will proactively engage with patients from local communities, identify barriers to trial participation, and help them navigate clinical trial complexities and logistics throughout the cancer continuum. Research-Focused Patient Navigator work closely with multidisciplinary care teams to coordinate internal Dana-Farber supportive services.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the research and clinical teams to curate relevant clinical trial information for patient screening and referral.
• Pre-screen patients trial eligibility, referral, and research navigation.
• Communicate with the referring clinicians to approach patients for trial eligibility upon completing pre-screening.
• Coach and prepare potential research participants and enrolled participants for their appointments and conversations with providers.
• Escort patients during their DFCI main campus appointments and sit in on clinical visit as needed.
• Remind patients of appointments and follow-up to maximize attendance.
• Assist patients with scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, and managing schedules
• Provide navigation services to patients pursing enrollment by identifying and address barriers to participate.
• Identify system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommend strategies to improve/remove them
• Navigator will also serve in a role that supports connecting patients with resources such as transportation, parking, and food stipends.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement recruitment and retention activities to maintain participant engagement throughout the study
• Manage study-related data, including collection, entry, quality checks, and secure storage
• Participate in ongoing patient navigation process development and improvement initiatives
• Develop educational materials about clinical trial participation with the study team and communicate them to patients.
• Complete patient navigation competency trainings.
• Obtain Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators’ Oncology Patient Navigator Certification
• Attend clinical meetings at referral sites to provide updates on pre-screening/referral process
• Attend weekly disease group research meetings to update trial information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment to cultural humility and cultural safety
• Strong customer service and patient and family-centered orientation
• Comfortable using Microsoft suite and data capture systems
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology required
• Ability to work with adults of varying ages, learning styles, and backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detailed record keeping and organization of work
• Proactive approach to addressing patient issues
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams and supportive services
• Capacity to develop strategies to resolve complex patient issues
• Knowledge of local health care systems and community resources
• Ability to work independently as well as in groups

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in English and at least one other language preferred, especially Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese
• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor’s degree in health or human services preferred
• 3+ years of professional experience in health care or community outreach organizations
• Experience working in hospital electronic medical record systems is a plus

WORK LOCATION:

• In-office work 5 days per week; Occasional remote days possible based on patient requirements. May require 1-2 visits to other DFCI campuses per year.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May oversee interns and volunteers as needed.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$61,900.00 - $66,100.00